Today, I am taking a different direction in writing. Usually I tend to write about emotional conceptual ideas, but today we are taking a different direction. I want to share something with you that I am very passionate about. I always tell people “I am such a nerd for music,” but I really mean it. We are smack in the middle of a long hot summer (“we should be together” - name that song), and I found myself complaining the other day that I always listen to the same songs, the same music. I sat down with the determination that I was going to find new summer sounds. As I searched, I realized that I didn't know where to start, and you might not either. I have spent the last week compiling a list of 7 artists that are not well known by many, but should be. All of these artists are on their way up, climbing, but not quite there yet. I have a firm belief they will be soon. These artists belong to many different genres, many different types of music, and the only thing they have in common is their raw and genuine talent.

1. Jon Bellion (Genre: Pop/Punk)

This incredible artist is currently on tour, and just released an album called “The Human Condition.” Tracks you need to know on that album: “Maybe IDK,” and “80's Films” and honestly all the other songs too. Jon is honest and raw in his lyrics, creative and naturally talented in his instrumentals. He is fabulous in his live performances and as many have said, he can really do it all. Look him up, do it now.

2. Mat Kearney (Genre: Alternative)

All my close friends know how much I love Mat, I rave about him all the time. I am constantly showing his music to anyone who will listen. His lyrics are unmatched. A lot of people that hear him for the first time say the same thing: “he sounds like Coldplay.” So, there you go. If you enjoy Coldplay, The Fray, etc, this is your guy. His most recent album is “Just Kids,” and tracks you need to know on that album are “Ghost” (heart wrenching, I cry every time), “Billion” (a happy upbeat, driving-with-the-windows-down jam with the one you love), and “Miss You.”

3. Bryce Vine (Genre: Hip-hop/Rap)

If you know me at all, this one shouldn't surprise you. Bryce is one of my good friends, but that isn't why he's on this list. I toured with Bryce and designed his most recent album cover, but I promised myself awhile back that I would never work with an artist I don't believe in. Bryce has a passion for what he does, and has so much fun with it. He has an addicting energy that draws you into his performances every time. Bryce is most famous for a song called “Sour Patch Kids” but his most recent Album is “Night Circus” and the songs you need to know on that are “Nowhere Man,” “Glamorama” (an honest evaluation of LA girls) and “Street Punks on a Freight Train” (my personal favorite).

4. Hailee Steinfield (Genre: Pop)

HAILEE. STEINFIELD. Know this name. She is the embodiment of sass and girl power and self-love. She's one of those girls you know you want to be friends with, probably has RBF and will cut you if you do her wrong. Hailee is incredibly talented, and at a young age. I am thrilled to watch where she goes and what she does. She recently dropped a single with Zedd called “Starving,” but her last album is “Haiz,” and it's incredible. Every track on that is so good, but the best are “Damn You're Such A” (sass level 1000), “Rock Bottom” (that one is just a straight up JAM) and the mainstream one, “Love Myself” (check out that music video, it s very well done.).

5. Ben Rector (Genre: Alternative)

If I could be the tour photographer for anyone in the whole entire world - it would be this guy right here. He is honest, open, he says it how it is. He obviously cares for his fans and does the best to connect and really make their experiences special. He just dropped an album called “Brand New,” and I absolutely had it on repeat for a whole month. Tracks you must listen to on that are: “30,00 feet” (that's an airplane song), “Fear,” and (if you want to really know Ben as he is) “The Men that Drive Me Places.” I genuinely cannot rave about this artist enough.

6. Lil Uzi Vert (Genre: Rap)

Lucas was the first one to introduce me to Lil Uzi Vert, and I admit, at first I was skeptic, but he knew what he was talking about. Lil Uzi Vert has recently been named to the XXL 2016 Freshman Class, and with good reason. He has a sound that is unmatched, and that is his ticket to success in this industry. He has plenty of songs that “go hard” as the kids say, and the two favorites of mine are from his most recent album called “Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World” and those two are (I'm so mainstream for this) “Baby are you Home” and “You Was Right.” He also has a banger with Wiz Khalifa, the artist who discovered him. Check him out.

7. Charles Kelly (Genre: Country)

This is a name you don't know but a voice you'll recognize. He belongs to a terrific trio known as “Lady Antebellum.” He recently has branched off, as has his band mate Hillary Scott, and started to make his own music. The song you should be looking up right now is called “The Driver” (another music video you need to watch-you'll get the chills) and it features Dierks Bentley (another favorite) and Eric Paslay.

Quoting the last artist listed: Charles Kelley says “a believer that music can save a soul.” Music is something that is so close to my heart, I can't imagine life without it. As July comes to a close, these are artists and songs that you need to know and whose names you can expect to see up in lights very, very soon. If you know a few of these names, congratulations to you (let's be friends). Share this with your friends and keep your ears open for new talent. Happy listening!